April 14 is Ambedkar Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar.Today, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has been celebrated worldwide as a visionary leader. In an era in which imperialist, capitalist, and religious ideologies pose significant challenges, his concept of societal therapy has gained renewed relevance. Ambedkar stands out as one of the most influential leaders in history, and has achieved remarkable success through education. He is a prime example of a self-made individual who reaches extraordinary heights. The specialness of Ambedkar’s leadership comes from the depth of his diverse discourses, which stem from his relentless pursuit of knowledge. Some individuals concentrate on tackling mental health issues at the personal level, whereas others strive to address problems within societal frameworks. To accomplish this, it is vital to explore the realms of the social, economic, and political sciences, often necessitating study and research at various universities worldwide. A shift in perspective is essential as an individual’s psychological state is profoundly shaped by their upbringing. Education and research equip individuals with mental resilience required to adapt to new environments, ultimately fostering the development of social scientists. We recognise that the discourse surrounding Indian sociology is complex and often contentious. Many who once accepted the concept of ‘varna’ as a reality have come to view it, along with the caste system, as constructs that were established at a certain point in history, which is not entirely accurate. To truly understand the depth of our nation, we must first move past the stigma associated with the caste system. Just as numerous individuals have struggled to break free from the constraints of caste, many Indian leaders have found it challenging to rise as national figures while navigating the barriers to social discrimination. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stood out as a global intellectual from India in part because he had the opportunity to pursue higher education in New York in 1913. He presented a thesis titled ‘Provincial Finance in British India’ at Columbia University. His profound research transcended geographical boundaries, ultimately earning him a doctorate in the London School of Economics and Political Science in England. Also read: To Truly Celebrate Ambedkar, Read His Work and Embrace His IdeasAmbedkar’s life was a perseverance of adversity. He has become one of the most educated individuals globally and in India, all the while navigating the challenges posed by a caste-based society. Despite enduring humiliation, he maintained a stance of love, compassion, wisdom, cooperation, and patience. These enabled him to overcome these challenges. Through his commitment to education, knowledge, and a philosophical outlook advocating for an egalitarian society, he reached a level of respect that even led to admiration from those who once opposed him, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, particularly regarding drafting the Indian constitution. As a philosopher and intellectual, he adeptly navigated diverse perspectives by studying the works of philosophers from around the world. He had a profound interest in Greek philosophy, especially the inquiries of Socrates, and embraced Plato’s approach to conceptualising the ideal state. His extensive examination of Immanuel Kant’s theories highlights his belief that the ultimate goal of education is the pursuit of knowledge, which fosters universal consciousness.A garlanded portrait of BR Ambedkar, seen on his birth anniversary, observed as Ambedkar Jayanti, in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, Monday, April 14, 2025. Photo: PTIHe also explored Hegel’s dialectics and demonstrated that Indian philosophies, especially Buddhist thought, developed dialectical logic as early as the 6th century BCE. He examined Karl Marx’s theories extensively and asserted that Buddhist philosophy was the first to address the elimination of suffering. He concluded that all principles articulated by Marx can be found within Buddhism. Buddhism offers a more comprehensive philosophy of selflessness that promotes peaceful living.In addition, he studied the work of Bertrand Russell and Nietzsche. He also engaged in a long investigation of the historical roots of Indian philosophies. By the time Ambedkar had conducted his research, all Sanskrit literature had been translated into English. He thoroughly examined the translations by Max Müller, Muir, and Kane, and read nearly all Sanskrit literature, starting from the Vedas. His purpose was not merely to gain knowledge, but to analyse these texts to demonstrate how Brahminism had oppressed Shudras and untouchables. Despite Brahmins’ efforts to suppress his writings, they are now being utilised by intellectuals among Dalits and Shudras for the development of subsequent studies. Today’s narrative of India is significantly shaped by Ambedkar’s ideology. Inspired by French thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau, Ambedkar examined Indian philosophical traditions through their perspectives. This foundation led him to reject absolutism in all forms, finding democratic ideals in Buddhism. He delved into Rousseau’s views on human freedom, particularly his Social Contract, and embraced the Buddhist notion that both individuals and society must continually reflect on and reassess themselves. Within this philosophical framework, Ambedkar crafted the Indian constitution, infusing it with Buddhist principles. As a student of John Dewey, who served as his mentor at Columbia University, he developed a strong sense of democratic awareness. To challenge the entrenched caste system and superstitions in society, he drew upon Dewey’s ideas. This mentor was pivotal for Ambedkar to address contemporary societal issues, understand the barriers to human progress, and create a robust methodology. He agreed with Dewey’s assertion that a vibrant and dynamic philosophy is essential to tackling the social contradictions faced by Indian society. In his work, Human Problems, Dewey articulated the social challenges of the time, stating: “We are living an adulterated and divided life caught between conflicting forces. We lack a cohesive modern philosophy, let alone a coherent, old one. The social and educational system is a mishmash of opposing elements. Even when we examine the differences in methods and outcomes in the natural sciences or the variances in religion and moral values, it becomes evident that we lack agreement on fundamental principles within our society. This is indeed a tragic state of affairs.” In this journey, he advanced the educational transformation initiated by the Indian pioneers Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule, striving for meaningful constitutional provisions that promote equal access to education. Ambedkar’s in-depth research positioned him as an architect of India’s reconstruction. His political movement was grounded in theory and included a comprehensive plan for rebuilding society. The Indian Labour Party, founded by Ambedkar, served as a formidable opposition to Congress in the Bombay Presidency in 1937. To broaden the reach of the Indian Labour Party, Ambedkar established the All-India Scheduled Castes Federation in July 1942. During this period, he argued that Dalits required political power to secure their social and economic rights. As he prepared for the 1952 elections, Ambedkar recognised in December 1951 that the Scheduled Castes Federation would struggle to succeed independently, prompting him to seek alliances with other left-wing parties.Also read: How Did Ambedkar Pick His Allies?In his mission to eliminate untouchability, he aimed to unite parties around the core principles of addressing social inequalities. His leftist ideals were clearly articulated in the 1952 manifesto where he stressed that every Indian should attain economic and social freedom. He asserted that it was the government’s duty to guarantee a life free of fear for all citizens, emphasising the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. This manifesto highlighted the need for social equality among the oppressed and called for a mandatory insurance scheme for government employees. He also outlined key principles for forming alliances with left-wing parties: one, no alliances should be made with the Hindu Mahasabha and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and two, collaboration with backward communities is essential. Ambedkar emphasised the challenges faced by marginalised communities in attaining political power. He urged Dalit Bahujans to abandon their subservient mindset, asserting that education alone does not equate philosophical understanding. He firmly believed that knowledge is a vital force that is essential to all aspects of human existence. He argued that Scheduled Castes cannot achieve true freedom and equality without comprehensive education. He defined education as an inquest that significantly enhances efficiency, fosters equality, and serves as a moral foundation. Education should act as a safeguard, be multifaceted, including compassion and human welfare. It must ensure societal equality, fulfil basic needs, and provide intellectual fulfilment. An educated community can drive progress. Those who are educated have a duty to uplift their illiterate peers, who continue to suffer from economic disparities, guiding them toward a life of dignity. Through this journey, he evolved into a global intellectual. Today, his life, ideas, principles, ideology, teachings, and the philosophy he promoted stand as ideals against violence, imperialism, exploitation, and oppression of various races, castes, cultures, and languages worldwide. Following the footsteps of Buddha and Ashoka, Ambedkar serves as a symbol of enlightenment and radiates knowledge from Asia to the world. Let us move forward, inspired by his illumination.Dr. Katti Padma Rao is a senior fellow at Indian Council of Social Science Research.